Your Maid of
Honor is more than your best friend. She is your right-hand woman when
the relatives start acting up; your most honest opinion when your makeup
smudges; and your biggest supporter when you finally say "I do." Let her
know you recognize her efforts with wedding day jewelry that
distinguishes her from the rest of the bridesmaids. And remember, the
happier she is at the wedding, the happier she'll want to make you.
1. Make Her Special
There's a reason
she's the Maid of Honor and the rest of your girls are bridesmaids.
You've made that clear behind the scenes
- now flaunt it at the
ceremony by giving her a piece of jewelry that differentiates her at
the alter. Add to her gift a matching bracelet or pair of earrings;
choose a slightly different color or larger gemstone; or give her a
gold chain versus the other bridesmaids' sterling silver. We're
quite sure that if she looks the part, she'll want to play it also.
No girl has ever
complained about jewelry that makes her eyes sparkle. If you
haven't already taken this into consideration when choosing the
bridal party dresses, then remember it when you pick out your
Maid of Honor's jewelry. Keep in mind that jewelry that is close
to the eyes - like dangling earrings
- should be the opposite
color of her eyes in order to enhance them. In other words,
coral earrings will bring out green eyes; Citrine stones will
bring out blue ones. On the other hand, bracelets and necklaces
hang far enough away from the eyes that they need to closely
match the eye color in order to draw attention to it. Pick
slightly deeper, darker hues than the true eye color and she'll
be radiant.
If your girl
wouldn't be caught dead most days without her favorite emerald
pendant necklace, keep that in mind when you're shopping for
her. Alternate her signature stone with pearls around a single
chain, or choose a similar necklace style with a different
gemstone. She'll feel more comfortable in something slightly
familiar - and the less attention she pays to her own
appearance, the more she can pay to yours. Along the same vein,
if you know her jewelry box is filled with sterling silver and
devoid of gold, don't try to change her now. Give her something
she'll want to wear later, not to mention something she can
match if you leave other accessories up to her.
4. Write Her a Note
Though attractive
wedding jewelry may be thanks enough, never underestimate the
power of words. Give your Maid of Honor a handwritten note the
night before the wedding as a preemptive thanks for all of her
support. Make it as sappy or humorous as you want, as long as
it's personal
- this is something that could end up in a scrap
book one day.